The Self Care Creature Podcast

You've probably been told to manage your stress. Breathe more. Sleep more. Do less. But nobody really talks about WHY it's so hard to actually get there. Why the body stays braced, why rest feels impossible, why you can do everything right and still feel like you're running on empty. This episode is about that. The thing underneath the thing. Fourteen years of guiding people in the work on themsel...

If you've ever been curious about energy work but not sure where to start (or whether to believe any of it), this one's for you. In this episode, Courtney sits down with her friend Katie Walton for one of those conversations that starts with "wait, but what even is energy?" and ends somewhere surprisingly tender. Together, Courtney and Katie wander through some genuinely big questions: what reiki...

In this episode, Courtney names something that's long been foundational to her life and work, but rarely spoken about publicly: her spiritual self. She gets into what it actually means to live a spiritual life without performing it, why she's been hesitant to share this part of herself, and how American culture tends to struggle with spirituality that doesn't fit neatly into religious boxes or tre...

In this episode, Courtney explores The Art of Intentional Living—not as a rigid structure, but as a fluid practice of self-trust, authenticity, and alignment. She reflects on the power of slowing down, recognizing cognitive dissonance, and the difference between being honest vs. judgmental with ourselves. Through personal stories and insights, she highlights how true intentionality helps build res...

The final months of the year can feel hectic, leaving many of us feeling off, dysregulated, or simply exhausted. In this episode, Courtney shares why this time of year can stir up funky feelings and offers support through the Self Care Creature lens. With personal reflections on what she’s been navigating lately, Courtney provides insights on holding space for yourself, finding connection, and mov...

In this episode, Courtney takes a heartfelt and reflective journey through the past year—both in the podcast and in life. From meaningful conversations and highlights on the podcast to personal lessons, growth, and challenges, this episode is a deep dive into what the year brought and how it’s shaping the path forward. Plus, Court invites listeners to reflect on their own year with three fun and t...

In this episode, Courtney dives deep into cultivating sustainable practices to support us during moments of hardship, emphasizing the importance of holding space for hard emotions and understanding how self-care is intricately tied to collective well-being. Drawing inspiration from the work of Brené Brown, C.R. Snyder, Audre Lorde, Barbara Love, and her teacher, Dr. Tee Williams, Courtney offers i...

In this episode, Courtney dives deep into the concept of integration, breaking down what it truly means and how it differs from simply building habits. Together, we explore the mainstream obsession with habit formation and why this focus doesn’t necessarily lead to real growth or sustainable change. Through personal practices, resources, and insights, Courtney ties it all back into the Self Care C...

In this episode, Courtney draws on her backgrounds in Zen Buddhism and shamanic studies to explore the quality of the mind and its profound influence on well-being. She reflects on how cultivating a different relationship with the mind, recognizing thought patterns, and understanding the mind’s effect on the body are essential for personal growth. With practical insights and suggested practices, l...

In this episode, Courtney nerds out on the profound simplicity of the natural breathing mechanism and explores why learning how to breathe can feel basic yet be incredibly transformative. She delves into how breath influences our mind, body, and emotional balance, offering practical insights and exercises to deepen awareness. While breath can be a powerful tool, Courtney emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Eva Collins from IG account @‌whydontyousaysomethng to dive deep into navigating online business and spirituality with authenticity. They discuss key indicators to look for in a business coach, explore how these apply to spiritual leaders and teachers, and share personal experiences. Emphasizing the importance of coming back to community, Eva brings her uni...

In this sleep-focused episode, Courtney welcomes Amber Horn, a dedicated functional wellness expert, to delve into the critical role of sleep in overall well-being. With a passion for helping individuals feel their best, Amber shares insights into the profound impact of nutrition, nervous system support, and lifestyle adjustments on sleep quality. This conversation touches on the root causes of sl...

In this episode, Courtney welcomes an old friend and fellow colleague, Demi Fair - a seasoned practitioner in the realm of gut health, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. Demi shares her unique approach, which not only focuses on dietary and nutritional aspects but also emphasizes the crucial connection between the mind and body. As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Somatic E...

In this episode, Courtney reads their June newsletter, adding some extra tidbits, sharing updates on her life, reflections on personal growth, and insights from recent experiences. She announces new projects, candidly discusses the journey, and the challenges and triumphs she's encountered. Tune in to stay connected with Courtney's world and get inspired by her authentic storytelling. Read the ful...

In this episode, Courtney welcomes a dear friend and fellow Zen practitioner, Kaitlin Worzalla, for an insightful conversation that delves into their personal journeys into the world of Zen practice. They explore the ways in which they serendipitously discovered Zen and share their profound experiences with sesshin, the intensive 7-day silent meditation practice of the Zen tradition. Kaitlin and C...

In Part 2 Courtney is back with Kristyn  of Shut the Gut Up , a wellness advocate and coach, delving into the intricacies of advocating for oneself within relationships. Exploring the multifaceted nature of relationships, covering everything from friendships to family dynamics. Together they both share personal stories that highlight the importance of setting boundaries, effective communication, a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kristyn of Shut the Gut Up , a wellness advocate and coach passionate about self-advocacy in the (American) healthcare system. Kristyn addresses common challenges within the healthcare system and shares her wellness coaching approach, empowering clients to become effective self-advocates. In this informative and enlightening conversation, Courtney and Kristyn both...

In the 4th and final episode of the Healing Through Heartbreak series Courtney candidly reflects on her journey over the past 6 months, moving from the “Self Love + Stabilize Era” into the "Fiercely Fortifying Era." Through the challenges and triumphs, Courtney navigates the bridge from self to community, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the healing process. Acknowledging the difficu...

In the third installment of the Healing Through Heartbreak series, Courtney begins with a heartfelt recap, inviting listeners to connect with the journey. Introducing poignant quotes for introspection, she delves into the last 30 days (of the set 90-day self love integration process), exploring the themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the nuanced layers of anger and self-forgiveness. Courtney sh...

In this second episode of the Healing Through Heartbreak series, Courtney takes us on a candid journey through the roller coaster of emotions, highlighting the isolation that often accompanies heartbreak. She shares insights into the different phases of life she's navigating and provides an update on the 90-Day Integration she initiated for herself. Tune in to hear about the unfolding timeline of...

In this first episode of Healing Through Heartbreak series, Courtney shares her personal journey, expressing her emotions through various practices, from singing and dancing to bathing and somatic releases. The episode provides a raw and honest look at Courtney's healing process, highlighting the importance of feeling and navigating grief with self-compassion. Throughout the episode, Courtney shar...

In this introspective episode, Courtney takes a deep dive into the transformative year of 2023, recounting significant moments that shaped her journey. She reflects on surprising experiences, personal growth, and the challenges faced—both visible and unseen. Courtney also shares joyful discoveries about herself and outlines intentions for the future based on the insights gained. The episode is a r...

In this episode, Courtney shares a powerful realization from her Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of mindfulness and its healing insights in safeguarding mental well-being. She explores the delicate balance between distractions and presence in a noisy world, and the profound idea that our true purpose transcends mere accomplishments. This insight delves into the unlayering of conditional...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with friends from Self Care is for Everyone to dive deep into the multifaceted world of self-care. Our candid conversation explores diverse perspectives on self-care, from personal definitions to unconventional practices. We share vulnerable moments from our self-care journeys, reflecting on challenges, transformative periods, and lessons learned. Discover u...

In this episode, we navigate the depths of depression, acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay. We explore the power of language, shifting from 'being' to 'experiencing' depression, and delve into the art of creatinga foundation of hope within yourself. Join us as we discuss the importance of acceptance, the value of rest, and the beauty of connecting to something greater than yourself. Courtn...